Local Togo’s Mourns Esteban Valadez Jr.

Greg Wimp, owner of Togo’s in Capitola, Scotts Valley & Watsonville, reports: “We lost one of our Togo’s family members, who is the son of one of our managers from one of the recent shootings in Washington State. His name is Steven and many Togo’s team members have known him since he was very young and also worked with him at Togo’s when he was older. There has been a GoFundMe setup to help finance bringing him home to Santa Cruz and related funeral expenses. It is a difficult time for all of us at Togo’s Capitola, Scotts Valley and Watsonville. Here is the GoFundMe:

My name is Stefani Vasquez, I’m helping a friend raise money for the loss of his son. I will be very grateful for your donations.

We are raising funds to cover the necessary expenses for Steven Valadez’s funeral.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz, he left three months looking for a better life with a suitcase full of dreams. His father Esteban Valadez just wants to bring him back to his home where he was born. Incredible

Eric Costella: (1974-2023)

Eric Edward Costella passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 8, 2023. He was 48.

He will be missed by many for his love of living life to the fullest with family and friends.

Eric was born May 28, 1974, and raised in Santa Cruz County, growing up in Ben Lomond. He graduated from San Lorenzo Valley High School and attended Cabrillo College before settling in Scotts Valley.

Eric Edward Costella

wife Elizabeth, son Ethan, and German shepherd, Meadow. He is also survived by his adoring parents Ron and Cheryl Costella; sister Ann Costella, brother-inlaw Robert Gordon; niece Erica Costella; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Vern and Vennie Dillman and Edward and Emma Costella.

Eric taught himself to be a renaissance man of the information technology world, developing a deep skillset in coding, web design and systems management. He worked for several companies throughout his career in Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley and Silicon Valley.

His most recent job was at CyAs Tech, where he enjoyed assisting the city and police of Scotts Valley.

Outside of work, Eric enjoyed good food, fine wine, craft cocktails and quality conversation with friends and family.

Eric is survived by his loving

His love for life and good times will be missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements were by Santa Cruz Memorial. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. John’s Church, 120 Russell Ave., Felton, with burial to follow at Santa Cruz Memorial Park and a reception from 2-4 p.m. at Kissed By An Angel Winery, 75 Mt. Hermon Road, Scotts Valley. n

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In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to a college scholarship fund for his son Ethan at Ugift529.com, code Z1E-U2V. To send condolences to Eric’s family, visit www. scmemorial.com man who never hurt anyone. He is very loved by many people, he will be missed. Rest in peace.

He was a very honest and hardworking person. All of us who knew him know that he had a huge heart and didn’t hurt anyone. He really liked video games, he preferred to be at his house than to go to parties.

Sadly, his life was taken while he was outside his work building in his car around 4 a.m. before going to work. A man took his life by shooting him several times in his head and torso. The person who killed Steven committed suicide. All this happened in the city of Everett, Washington on Jan. 24.

All we want is for him to return to his home, Santa Cruz, where he was born.

He was on a normal day as always, ready to go to work and be able to continue fulfilling his goals/dreams when a man shot him for no reason and died instantly.

Right now all the paperwork is being processed to bring him to Santa Cruz, where he lived for many years.

All of his family and his acquaintances are devastated by such unexpected news since a week ago we spoke with him and he was super happy because he had already begun to fulfill one of his biggest dreams and he was as happy as anyone can be. We all remember him as the good person he was. May he rest in peace. n •••

To donate, see https://www.gofundme. com/f/dona-a-la-memoria-de-steven-valadez-jr